Soft vs Pressure which is right for you?
The Basics
Soft washing and pressure washing are both methods of cleaning surfaces on and around your property.
Both are considered types of power washing.
Pressure washing is harsher on surfaces than soft washing. Pressure washing can dislodge deep-rooted contaminants within the surface, making it ideal for hard and porous surfaces like concrete. Soft washing has lighter pressure, and uses a more soap driven approach to get the same desired effect while keeping your exterior safe.
Fortunately, most pressure washers have adjustable pressure ratings. You can choose a high pressure or low pressure wash with each machine Simply by changing the nozzle at the end of spray gun or adjusting the unloader.
Similarly, all pressure washing companies have adjustable pressure washers, and they can select the right type of pressure based on your unique surface.
Both pressure washing and soft washing have pros and cons.
How Pressure Washing Works
With pressure washing, you direct highly-compressed water at a surface to blast away contaminants. Pressure washers have different strength ratings given in pounds per square inch (PSI).
Generally, pressure washing is considered the best method for removing loose paint or stains from surfaces – say, if you’re removing paints or stains to prepare for another layer.
The big drawback of pressure washing is that it can damage surfaces when used incorrectly. Applying high-powered pressure to a deck, for example, can cause severe damage to the surface. Wood is softer than concrete, so you need to use a different PSI. (800-1100 PSI)
Use pressure washing:
- To wash concrete, pavement, Brick and similar hard surfaces that are more than 2 years old.
How Soft Washing Works
Soft washing is a lower pressure wash. You still use higher pressure than you would with something like a hose, but soft washing allows you to dislodge contaminants without harming the surface.
Soft washing lets you remove mold, algae, mildew, dirt, and other contaminants from a surface. You might use soft washing on softer wood, for example, or to avoid impacting the structural integrity of concrete that’s newer than 2 years.
Use soft washing:
- For cedar shake siding, wood panel siding, and similarly soft siding materials
- To wash concrete that’s newer than 2 years old
- To clean mold, algae, mildew, dirt, and other surface contaminants without harming the surface below
- To clean stucco, coquina, aluminum, or vinyl siding
- To clean outdoor wood furniture, rooted plants, screens, and enclosures
- To clean any standard surface, like a roof or a deck, where you don’t want to impact the structural integrity of that surface
Generally, for any standard cleaning of your house, deck, or property, soft washing is the right choice. If soft washing isn’t dislodging a certain trouble spot, then you could switch to carefully pressure washing that area.
For questions regarding soft washing, pressure washing, power, washing, or concrete washing in the Huntingdon, Williamsburg, Tyrone, Bellwood, State College, Duncansville, and Hollidaysburg area contact 814-386-8787.
Great information! Thank you!